Memorandum of Conversation: Ford, Ikle, 06-01-1975

During a conversation between President Ford, Dr. Fred C. Ikle, and Lt. General Brent Scowcroft, several topics were discussed. Firstly, the Senate's ratification of the Geneva Protocol was mentioned, and it was suggested that a signing ceremony would demonstrate cooperation between the Legislative and Executive branches. The issue of nuclear proliferation was raised, with concerns about countries like Brazil, Argentina, Pakistan, Libya, and South Korea potentially seeking nuclear weapons. The need for proper safeguards and export controls, especially in relation to France and its plans to export reprocessing plants, was emphasized. The conversation also touched upon the prospects of the Threshold Test Ban and the importance of MBFR (Mutual and Balanced Force Reductions) negotiations, which were somewhat stalemated. The connection between MBFR and the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) was highlighted, and the President expressed the need for progress in both areas. The conversation concluded with the President expressing the importance of forthcoming recommendations and staying informed through Henry or Brent until the next National Security Council (NSC) meeting.